LSU Basketball: It’s time to move on from Will Wade and make a strong hire
By Zach Ragan
I think it might be time for LSU basketball to move on from head coach Will Wade.
The wheels have completely fallen off the program in recent weeks.
After a 15-1 start, the Tigers have lost six of their last seven games.
LSU’s last two losses — to Ole Miss and Vanderbilt — are their worst losses of the year.
The bottom has completely fallen out at LSU. Tigers have lost six of seven and are down 21 at Vanderbilt with 9:37 to play.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) February 6, 2022
Ole Miss and Vandy are barely .500 programs. Those games should be automatic wins. At this point, it’s getting worse instead of better.
And along the way, Wade keeps losing his mind in press conferences or whenever he speaks publicly
For example, Wade railed against officials during his “Will Wade Unfiltered” appearance this past week. He knew it was a bad idea, but he went ahead with his comments anyway.
“God, I can’t say too much,” said Wade while complaining about officiating (via The Shreveport Times). “I’m going to get in trouble.”
Then there was this cringeworthy moment last month:
A very animated and emotional Will Wade following @LSUBasketball loss at Alabama, discussing his technical foul. #LSU pic.twitter.com/NIQ4XwokcP
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) January 20, 2022
Wade isn’t totally wrong. But it just comes across as whining and excuses.
When you combine the recent losses with all the NCAA recruiting stuff hanging over Wade, it makes sense for LSU to just cut bait and run.
This might sound extreme — Wade is 16-6 and they’re likely making the NCAA Tournament.
But Wade isn’t taking this team where it needs to go. Not with his attitude.
Who would LSU basketball hire to replace Will Wade?
If the Tigers fire Wade, then they obviously need a replacement. Where would they turn?
That’s an extremely difficult question. But I think I’d give a call to Murray State head coach Matt McMahon.
McMahon has done well at Murray State — even after the departure of superstar guard Ja Morant to the NBA.
The former Appalachian State guard has the Racers at 16-2 this season. I think McMahon could do well recruiting in Louisiana. And he has some SEC experience, too (he was a graduate assistant for three years at Tennessee at the start of his career).
If not McMahon, then there are still plenty of other quality options that LSU could pursue.
Next. LSU can add some more transfer portal players. dark
All I know is that the answer isn’t Will Wade.